Book description
Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five arrives as an audiobook with a power that transcends the page. The author himself narrates, lending the text its raw, unmistakable voice-a dry wit, a weary cadence, and a quiet fury that makes every word land like a punch. This isn't just a recording; it's a direct conduit to Vonnegut's mind, sharpening the novel's piercing critique of war and time itself.
The story follows Billy Pilgrim, a man who "unsticks" in time, reliving the Dresden firebombing alongside his alien abduction adventures. Vonnegut, a POW who survived that 1945 massacre, spent decades wrestling with how to articulate the horror. The audiobook amplifies that struggle. You hear the weight in his pauses, the deliberate slowness when describing the city's destruction, the way he undercuts tragedy with phrases like "So it goes." That refrain-repeated after every death or disaster-becomes a mantra, its rhythm deepening in the spoken word.
Fifty years after its 1969 release, the novel's relevance feels urgent. Vonnegut captures political disillusionment and PTSD long before those terms were common, framing them through a lens of absurdity and dark humor. The audiobook makes this timeless perspective immediate. When Billy witnesses Dresden burning, Vonnegut's delivery strips away any romanticism, leaving only the chilling reality: "The whole city was burning." You don't just read the horror; you hear it.
This format also honors Vonnegut's genre-blending genius. The sci-fi elements-trapped in a spaceship, meeting Tralfamadorians-gain surreal texture through narration. The alien dialogue, delivered with deadpan precision, feels less like fantasy and more like a coping mechanism for trauma. Similarly, the satire of postwar American life (the optometrist's mundane routine, the war profiteers) lands with sharper irony when voiced.
Critics once called Vonnegut's work "too edgy" for schools. The audiobook, however, makes his message impossible to ignore. His frankness about violence, the absurdity of war, and the cost of silence resonates louder now than ever. In an era of ongoing conflict and anxiety, Billy Pilgrim's fractured timeline mirrors our own collective disorientation. Vonnegut's voice-calm, unflinching-offers a rare kind of clarity: war is senseless, and storytelling is resistance.
The narration's intimacy is key. Hearing Vonnegut's own voice, decades later, transforms the book from a historical artifact into a living conversation. You feel his frustration with how society processes trauma, his refusal to let history repeat. When he says, "All moments, past, present and future, always have existed," the audio version makes it feel less like philosophy and more like a truth whispered directly to you.
This isn't just an audiobook; it's a cultural anchor. It proves that great writing thrives in new formats, especially when the author's voice is its heartbeat. Slaughterhouse-Five remains a beacon-not just for its antiwar message, but for showing how to speak truth with humor, humanity, and unshakable honesty. Listen closely. The echoes of Dresden, and of our own time, are still speaking.
Girl Brownie
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Guillotine
Effortlessly managing my audiobook library β this app's design is commendable. Tone adjustment is a thoughtful addition that adds a personal touch to the audiobook narration. It's like having a narrator tailor their voice to my preferences. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend! Incredible character voices! Each person felt distinct without being over-the-top. The emotional scenes gave me chills with how well they were delivered.
Screwtape
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Alberta
ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. Downloading over WiFi is quick and efficient. Saves a lot of time.
Impulsive Flower
Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a fantastic way to spread the joy. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature.
Darkside Hooker
This app's convenience has turned my daily chores into moments of intellectual discovery β a win-win! The app is lightweight and doesnβt drain my battery.
Shady Lady
ListenBook's seamless integration with CarPlay makes my daily commute a delightful opportunity to indulge in audiobooks. This app has made my daily walks a time for both exercise and learning. πΌ Balancing responsibilities with relaxation β audiobooks make even mundane tasks feel like an escape. π»π ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in! ListenBookβs interface is beautiful and functional. Itβs my favorite app for audiobooks.
Black Walnut
I'm able to catch up on my reading list even during the busiest days. With this app, I've discovered a whole new way to enjoy literature. Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. ListenBook has transformed the way I engage with literature. It's like having a virtual bookshelf in my pocket. The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is very convenient. ListenBook is a great app.
Feral Filly
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Pink Hopper
Thank you for making literature more accessible, enjoyable, and immersive. This app is a game-changer! π This app's functionality is a masterpiece β it seamlessly integrates audiobooks into my daily routine. ππ¨ This audiobook performed its function without excelling. The narrator's delivery was straightforward and easy to follow, though lacking in dramatic flair. The recording quality was decent with only occasional minor inconsistencies in volume. An acceptable but forgettable listening experience.
Gullyway
Being able to customize the listening duration is perfect for quick breaks. From MP3 to FLAC, this app plays them all flawlessly. Say goodbye to compatibility issues! The app is perfect for people with busy schedules. I can listen on the go.
Heavenly Connection
I'm in awe of how this app has brought new dimensions to my reading experience. I'm impressed by how this app seamlessly syncs across my devices. I'm impressed by the app's compatibility with CarPlay. It keeps me entertained on long drives. The narration elevated an already good book to greatness! The performer's subtle vocal variations conveyed nuance I might have missed while reading. Their ability to maintain consistent character voices across many hours was impressive. Technical quality was flawless throughout.
Firecracker
This app has become my ultimate travel companion, ensuring that I'm always entertained and inspired. With this app, audiobook listening has become a seamless and enjoyable part of my everyday life. π§ My daily chores just got an upgrade! Thanks to this app, I can dive into captivating stories while cooking and cleaning. ππ³ ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Cinder Coffee
ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch makes it a versatile companion for my daily activities. Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless.
Knuckles
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortless and enjoyable. This app has helped me achieve my reading goals and explore new genres effortlessly. π₯ Elevating my reading routine to new heights β this app is a real page-turner! ππ Iβm so impressed with ListenBook. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Highly recommend this app!
WanderWord
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. CarPlay compatibility takes my driving experience to a whole new level. Audiobooks on the road have never been better.
Granola
Thanks to ListenBook's automatic extraction of artwork and metadata, my library looks organized and appealing. ListenBook's integration with CarPlay and Apple Watch is seamless. I can now enjoy my favorite audiobooks during commutes and workouts. Drag and drop downloads are so convenient. No more messing around with complicated steps. The intuitive chapter navigation and quick access to controls make my audiobook experience seamless. Absolutely loved the narration! The voice actor brought the characters to life with distinct tones and emotions. The production quality was top-notch, with no background noise or distractions. A truly immersive experience!
Onion King
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. Audiobook excellence made simple β this app's functionality is a true asset. ListenBookβs CarPlay support makes listening in the car a seamless experience.
Willow Dragon
As a language learner, this app has been invaluable in improving my listening skills. Finally, an app that turns my daily commute into an adventure through literature. Audiobook lovers, meet your new best friend! This app's smooth playback and easy organization have transformed my reading experience. ππ§ CUE playlist support is a brilliant feature that allows me to create customized listening experiences for different moods, activities, and moments of the day.
Dallas Foxface
I can't get enough of the celebrity narrators β they add a unique charm to each book. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. I love the ability to share my progress with friends. Itβs a fun feature. I love the ability to change the playback speed. Itβs perfect for my needs. Perfect for my daily walks. The story was engaging enough to keep me motivated to exercise but not so complex that I got lost in thought. Great production quality too.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience